Display stand

ABSTRACT

A display for an item of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabilia associated with an event mounted on the display stand, and a display device disposed proximate the display stand and configured to display the event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/863,288, filed Oct. 27, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a display stand and, in particular, adisplay stand for displaying memorabilia.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Display stands are oftentimes displayed by their owners on a shelf,stand, bookcase, table, wall, or any other surface, and display standscan be configured to house items of memorabilia. Some people, such asfans or collectors, collect items—some of which are owned by athletes,some are given as gifts by teams, or sold to the public.

These items are frequently taken off the field of play by athletes orprovided to athletes or others by teams or others to commemoratespecific plays like an interception, touch down, goal, hit, a milestone(such as a 100^(th) catch, 10,000^(th) point, etc.). They are also usedfor promotional and commercial purposes, such as autographed baseballs,jerseys, helmets, etc. Such items are sometimes signed by athletes orothers, or can remain unsigned.

Similarly, people display or retain other items of significance, such asmusical instruments used in a performance, invitations from an event,baby shoes, hair clippings from a first haircut, etc. Known displaystands, however, are not configured to display the event with which theitem of memorabilia disposed thereon is associated. The structures andmethods of the present disclosure solve at least some of the problemsassociated with these known devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display for anitem of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabiliaassociated with an event disposed on the display stand, and a displaydevice disposed proximate the display stand and configured to displaythe event.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the display can further include aseparate display stand, the display device being mounted to the separatedisplay stand. The device can also include a substantially transparentenclosure associated with the display stand such that the item issubstantially completely enclosed by the display stand and theenclosure. In the above embodiment, the display device comprises adigital display, the display device is configured to display a videoclip of the event, the display device is pivotally mounted, the displaydevice is incorporated into the display stand, and the display device isincorporated into an enclosure associated with the display stand, theenclosure is configured to assist in substantially enclosing the item.The display can also include a controller configured to operate thedisplay device, and at least one audio component configured to emit anaudible sound associated with the event.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display foran item of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabiliaassociated with an event disposed on the display stand, and a displaydevice disposed proximate the display stand and configured to displaythe event. The display also includes a controller configured to controlone of audio and/or video of the event.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the display can include a separatedisplay stand, the display device being mounted to the separate displaystand. The display can also include a substantially transparentenclosure associated with the display stand such that the item issubstantially completely enclosed by the display stand and theenclosure. The display can further include at least one supportconnected to the display stand and configured to assist in immobilizingthe item relative to the display stand.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofdisplaying an item of memorabilia includes mounting an item ofmemorabilia associated with an event mounted on a display stand,mounting a display device proximate the display stand, and displayingthe event on the display device.

In such an embodiment, the method displaying the event can also includecomprising playing a video of the event. In addition, displaying theevent can include presenting a digital image of the event, and mountingthe item of memorabilia can include substantially immobilizing the itemrelative to the display stand. The method can also include completelyenclosing the item and displaying the event can include emitting anaudible sound associated with the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a display according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the display of FIG. 1 according to an additionalexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display according to another exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the display of FIG. 3 according to an additionalexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a display according to still another exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates the display of FIG. 5 according to an additionalexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 illustrates a display 10, including a display stand 12 for anyitem 14 of memorabilia, and a display device 16. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, such items can include sportsmemorabilia such as footballs, baseballs, hockey pucks, baseball bats,basketballs, soccer balls, race car driver helmets, football helmets,jerseys, uniforms, gloves, or other sports equipment.

The display 10 could also be used to display items 14 associated withother memorable events. Such events can include, for example, the birthof a child, birthdays, a child's first steps, first haircut, weddings,Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and other events in people's lives. Items 14associated with such events can include, for example, baby shoes,pictures, invitations, shattered glass, an item of clothing, a musicalinstrument used in an actual musical performance, an acceptance speech,an award, and a first production part or widget produced by a business.In an exemplary embodiment in which the item 14 is a first productionpart, the part could be in a display 10, and the display device 16 couldshow, for example, the first part coming off the machine that made it.

Display stand 12 can be any stand, base, or case on or in which an item14 can be loosely or permanently affixed, enclosed, housed, mounted,immobilized, and/or otherwise displayed. Display 10 includes the displaystand 12 and, in an exemplary embodiment, the display 10 may support theitem 14 without enclosing the item 14 with sides, walls, or clearplastic. The display stand 12 and/or other components of the display 10can be made of any known material such as, for example, wood, plastic,acrylic, metal, and/or glass.

Used in connection with the display 10 described herein is a displaydevice 16 comprising a screen or other separate video/digital display.The display device 16 may be, for example, an LCD, LED, DLP, digital,video, flash memory, and/or a home video/camcorder. Such examples couldplay, illustrate, and/or otherwise show a video clip, segment, or feedof the event, moment, or play associated with the item 14. For example,the display device 16 can show a video clip of a football player scoringa touchdown with a football disposed on the display stand 12. Asdiscussed above, the item 14 of memorabilia can relate to a particularinstant in time or an event happening at a particular time. The displaydevice 16 captures the instant in time or the event to which the item 14of memorabilia relates. Display device 16 could also include and/orotherwise display game or event information, such as, for example, thedate, score, teams involved, players, or other information of interest.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the items 14 ofmemorabilia may be put on a separate or stand alone base 18 (FIGS. 5 and6) or display case. Item 14 illustrated by the video clip can bedisposed either on top of the separate base 18, or in front of or nextto the base 18.

Display device 16 could be incorporated into, or made a part of, thedisplay 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 16 could beinlaid or otherwise located within the base 12. For example, the displaydevice 16 can be mounted to the base 12 in fixed position, or can bepivotally or otherwise movably mounted to the base 12 such that it canbe transitioned from a storage position to a viewing position. However,as shown in FIGS. 3-6, in another exemplary embodiment the display 20,30 of the present disclosure can include a substantially transparentenclosure 22 and, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the display device 16 canbe mounted to and/or otherwise incorporated within any of the enclosurewalls or sides. In such an embodiment, the display device 16 can utilizepart or all of any one or more walls or sides. The display device 16could be incorporated into the display 10, 20, 30, or base 12 duringmanufacture, or could be added later as an add-on or module to thedisplay 10 at a later date.

As another example, in connection with a team or person that won achampionship, division, playoff series, game, match, and/or tournament,the display 10, 20, 30, base 12, and/or enclosure 22 can be used tostore a team picture or other item for display. In such an exemplaryembodiment, a display device 16 associated with the display 10, 20, 30can play a video clip showing, for example, the last out or play of theevent, the team celebrating, and/or the team running onto the fieldafter winning the game. However, for more generic items 14, such assigned baseballs, jerseys, or other articles that are not used tocommemorate, document, or represent a specific event, the display device16 can comprise or otherwise show a video/digital clip of the athlete,person, or event in action.

It is understood that the display 10, 20, 30 can also be used withpictures, posters, photographs, and/or signed or unsigned prints thatare already framed or otherwise housed in a display case. For example,the display device 16 of the display 10, 20, 30 can comprise orotherwise illustrate a sequence of still images taken simultaneouslywith the event memorialized by the item 14 of memorabilia.Alternatively, the display 10, 20, 30 may be used to house or displaypre-framed photographs or prints.

The display 10, 20, 30, can also include one or more supports 24configured to secure, accept, and/or otherwise support the item 14. Thesupports 24 may be any type of bracket, holder, or other structureconfigured to substantially immobilize an item 14 of memorabiliarelative to another structure such as, for example, a base 12 to whichthe supports 24 are connected. The supports 24 may be rigidly mounted tothe base 12. Alternatively, the supports 24 may be movably mounted tothe base 12 and may be configured to rotate, slide, and/or otherwisemove to accept items 14 of varying shapes and sizes. The supports 24 mayalso include straps, teeth, prongs, and/or other structures to acceptthe item 14 for mounting to the base 12.

During use, the display device 16 can be operated by pushing one or morebuttons on a controller (not shown). The controller may be, for example,incorporated into the display 10, 20, 30 or other display device 16.Alternatively, the controller may be a remote control. The actions usedto operate or otherwise control the display device 16 can vary and mayinclude, for example, pushing on the object itself, pushing on a touchscreen of the display device 16, and pushing a button of the controller.The remote control could be programmed in connection with multipledisplays 10 to operate one or more display devices 16.

Video/digital clips could be shown by the display device 16 with soundsfrom the event that was recorded. In an exemplary embodiment, soundcould be dubbed and a different recorded sound could be added. Suchsounds can include, for example, favorite music, fight songs, and/oralma mater songs. It is understood that the display 10 can comprise oneor more sound devices (not shown) such as, for example, speakersconfigured to emit audible sound as an event is played by the displaydevice 16.

The display device 16 may also comprise a power source (not shown), suchas a battery, which could be replaceable or rechargeable. The powersource can be configured to provide power to the display device 16and/or other components of the display 10 such as, for example, the oneor more of the sound devices discussed above.

The attached drawings show a number of exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure. FIG. 1 shows the display 10 used to display a bat, such as,for example, a bat used to hit a particular home run or to win aparticular game. The display device 16 is shown as a video displaylocated centrally on the base 12 to which the bat is mounted. FIG. 1shows the display device 16 mounted flush with or otherwise inlaidwithin the base 12. FIG. 2, on the other hand, shows a modification ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1 where the display device 16 can be tilted up tomake viewing more comfortable.

FIG. 3 shows a display 20 in which an item 14 of memorabilia, namely abasketball, is substantially completely enclosed by a substantiallytransparent protective enclosure 22 and the display stand 12. Thedisplay device 16 is mounted either on a front outside surface of theenclosure 22 or, as shown in phantom lines, on an inside surface of theenclosure 22.

FIG. 4 shows a similar arrangement to the embodiment of FIG. 3 with thedisplay device 16 oriented so as to show a portrait type mode.

FIG. 5 shows a similar arrangement where the display device 16 ismounted on a separate display stand 18 extending outwardly from the base12 on which the article of memorabilia, in this case a football, ismounted. This display device 16 may be either fixed as shown in FIG. 5or may tilt up for easier viewing as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a similar arrangement with an actual video being displayedon the display device 16.

Other embodiments of the disclosed display 10, 20, 30 will be apparentto those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification. Itis intended that the specification and examples be considered asexemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated bythe following claims.

1. A display for an item of memorabilia, comprising: (a) a displaystand; (b) an item of memorabilia associated with an event disposed onthe display stand; and (c) a display device mounted proximate thedisplay stand and configured to display the event.
 2. The display ofclaim 1, further including a separate display stand, the display devicebeing mounted to the separate display stand.
 3. The display of claim 1,further comprising a substantially transparent enclosure associated withthe display stand such that the item is substantially completelyenclosed by the display stand and the enclosure.
 4. The display of claim1, wherein the display device comprises a digital display.
 5. Thedisplay of claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to displaya video clip of the event.
 6. The display of claim 1, wherein thedisplay device is pivotally mounted.
 7. The display of claim 1, whereinthe display device is incorporated into the display stand.
 8. Thedisplay of claim 1, wherein the display device is incorporated into anenclosure associated with the display stand, the enclosure configured toassist in substantially enclosing the item.
 9. The display of claim 1,further comprising a controller configured to operate the displaydevice.
 10. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device comprisesat least one audio component configured to emit an audible soundassociated with the event.
 11. A display for an item of memorabilia,comprising: (a) a display stand; (b) an item of memorabilia associatedwith an event disposed on the display stand; (c) a display devicedisposed proximate the display stand and configured to display theevent; and (d) a controller configured to control one of audio and videoof the event.
 12. The display of claim 11, further comprising a separatedisplay stand, the display device being mounted to the separate displaystand.
 13. The display of claim 11, further comprising a substantiallytransparent enclosure associated with the display stand such that theitem is substantially completely enclosed by the display stand and theenclosure.
 14. The display of claim 11, further including at least onesupport connected to the display stand and configured to assist inimmobilizing the item relative to the display stand.
 15. A method ofdisplaying an item of memorabilia, comprising: (a) mounting an item ofmemorabilia associated with an event mounted on a display stand; (b)mounting a display device proximate the display stand; and (c)displaying the event on the display device.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein displaying the event comprises playing a video of the event. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the event comprisespresenting a digital image of the event.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein mounting the item of memorabilia comprises substantiallyimmobilizing the item relative to the display stand.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising completely enclosing the item.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, wherein displaying the event comprises emitting anaudible sound associated with the event.